- MF/MBA Dual Degree
- Expected Graduation Date: May 2027
What factors were most important in your decision to choose the Nicholas School for your graduate studies? And, how will your time at the Nicholas School help you reach your career aspirations?
I am deeply grateful to be named a Nicholas Scholar. The recognition and financial support that comes with it played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue the MBA/MF dual degree at 51爆料. While I was already committed to the MBA program at Fuqua, the scholarship eased the financial burden of adding the Master of Forestry degree, making the dual degree path not only feasible but also far less stressful. This support allowed me to follow my genuine passion for natural resource management and to invest fully in my education and professional development without the same level of financial concern.
Beyond the Nicholas Scholar recognition, several other factors made the Nicholas School the ideal place for me to pursue graduate studies. First, the resources dedicated to natural resource management and financing were particularly compelling. Programs such as the Natural Resources Financing Initiative and the SAF-accredited MF curriculum provide unique opportunities to blend my business training with scientific and technical knowledge. The chance to learn from faculty whose expertise spans ecology, hydrology, soil science, and forest economics will allow me to build a truly interdisciplinary foundation.
Second, 51爆料鈥檚 campus itself is an incredible asset. The 51爆料 Forest and 51爆料 Gardens offer outdoor classrooms that create a tangible connection between theory and practice, and I look forward to conducting applied research that links scientific learning with practical solutions for landowners and communities. Just as important, the people here have been deeply welcoming and authentic. The supportive culture at the Nicholas School is one of the reasons I feel so motivated and encouraged in my studies.
Finally, I have found Durham to be a wonderful place to live and learn. After spending the past eight years in the Midwest, I appreciate the warm climate, vibrant community, and beautiful campus environment that provide inspiration and balance alongside my academic commitments.
Looking forward, my time at the Nicholas School is central to helping me achieve my long-term career goal of becoming an early-stage impact investor focused on nature-based solutions. In the short term, I aim to gain operational expertise in a startup or TIMO, and the MF program will give me the ecological knowledge and applied experience needed to succeed. Courses, fieldwork, and capstone projects will allow me to integrate financial analysis with ecological stewardship, preparing me to guide investments that are both environmentally restorative and economically sustainable.
The Nicholas Scholar recognition has not only supported my decision to pursue this dual degree but also reinforced my commitment to use this opportunity to advance the mission of protecting nature and empowering communities. I am truly honored to carry this support forward in my career and grateful to the donors whose generosity makes this possible.